THE SimFer joint venture of the government of Guinea, Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) has awarded Wabtec a $US 277m contract to supply Evolution Series ES43ACmi diesel freight locomotives.
Wabtec will supply an unspecified number of ES43ACmi locomotives equipped with a cab at each end. They will be powered by a 3.36MW Evolution Series diesel engine, proven in high-temperature environments and offering best-in-class fuel efficiency, according to Wabtec.
The Evolution Series engine also meets UIC 3A and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 3 emissions standards.
SimFer is working to develop the Simandou deposits in the southeast of Guinea, the world's largest untapped reserve of high-grade iron ore which is estimated at over 2 billion tonnes.
The project includes the construction of the 670km Trans-Guinean Railway from Beyla to Forécariah and a deep-water port at Moribayah, where work began earlier this year.
“Our new partnership with Wabtec represents an important milestone for the Simandou project and brings us even closer to the delivery of the Trans-Guinean Railway - critical infrastructure that can support economic development across the country,” says SimFer managing director, Mr Chris Aitchison.
“Our global team worked together to understand SimFer’s needs and provide a solution specifically tailored for Simandou,” says Mr Rogerio Mendonca, president of freight equipment at Wabtec.
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